Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce shares emotional plea for former MP Michael Johnsen amid ‘serious concerns’ for his welfare
Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce has made an emotional plea to missing former MP Michael Johnsen, asking that he contact his wife or police to let them know he is safe.
On Sunday, NSW Police appealed to the public to help locate the former NSW Nationals MP, who was last seen leaving his home in Tamworth on Friday.
Johnsen served in the NSW Upper House.
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On Monday, Joyce spoke with Sunrise host Nat Barr, pleading for the missing politician to come home.
“I know you are concerned about a friend and former Nationals MP Michael Johnsen, I know he’s had a few troubles in his personal life. What do you want to say about him?” Barr asked
“(It’s) very serious,” Joyce began, clearly emotional.
“Michael, if you’re out there, could you please contact Carla, can you please contact the police, can you please let people know you’re OK and if anybody has seen Michael, or knows where Michael can you please contact Crime Stoppers.
“Michael, if you’re there mate, there are so many people who love you and that we’re really scared mate.
“Please stick your head up and say g’day.”
On Sunday, Joyce’s wife, Vikki Campion, also wrote about her concerns for Johnsen.
“If anyone is near Barrington Tops and sees a dark grey Kluger, please report. We are worried sick,” Campion wrote on Instagram.
Johnsen was the Nationals MP for the Upper Hunter, serving from 2015 to 2021.
The politician resigned after he was accused of raping a sex worker in the Blue Mountains. He was also accused of offering her $1000 for sex at NSW Parliament House.
Johnsen denied any wrongdoing following the allegations.
Police later dropped the charges due to insufficient evidence
“Following recommendations made by the DPP, there is insufficient admissible evidence to proceed with charges,” police said.
“I have been vindicated. I am innocent. As stated all along,” Johnsen said of the charges, according to News.com.au.
“They have destroyed my career and sullied my reputation, changed the democratically elected representative of an electorate mid-cycle in an unwanted by-election.”
Originally published on Sunrise
